Senior Product Designer - SaaS B2B IA / IT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - SaaS B2B IA / IT
Company: Collective
Location: Paris, Ile-de-France, France
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Product Design / User Experience
Date Posted: 2026-01-05
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal for a fast-growing B2B SaaS company focused on IT management solutions for SMBs, requiring a Senior Product Designer to lead end-to-end design initiatives.
• The designer will be instrumental in transforming complex IT backend functionalities into a clean, intuitive, and user-friendly product experience for IT managers.
• As the second designer in an EPD (Engineering, Product, Design) focused team, the role offers significant autonomy and direct ownership of design strategy and execution.
• The position demands a craft-focused, detail-oriented, yet pragmatic approach to problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with engineers to navigate constraints and trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The input data describes a "Senior Product Designer" role within a B2B SaaS company. While the core responsibilities are design-centric, the context of "IA / IT" and "modern SMBs manage IT" suggests a strong need for understanding complex backend systems and operational efficiency. This implies that for a candidate to excel, they would benefit from experience in designing for operational tools or internal systems, where usability directly impacts efficiency and task completion for business users, rather than purely consumer-facing products. The emphasis on "EPD-first team" and "working closely with engineers" highlights the need for strong collaboration and understanding of technical constraints, common in operations-adjacent roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the entire product design lifecycle, from initial user research and concept ideation through to detailed interaction design, UI implementation, and final delivery.
• Conduct in-depth user research, including interviews, usability testing, and data analysis, to deeply understand the needs, pain points, and workflows of IT managers.
• Develop comprehensive user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs that effectively translate complex IT backend processes into intuitive user experiences.
• Collaborate closely with product managers and engineers to define product strategy, iterate on designs based on technical feasibility, and ensure a high-quality, consistent user experience.
• Champion design best practices and a user-centered design approach within the EPD team, contributing to the evolution of design processes and standards.
• Continuously iterate on existing product features based on user feedback, performance metrics, and evolving business requirements, focusing on enhancing usability and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the typical end-to-end design process, emphasizing research, prototyping, and collaboration. The focus on "complex IT backend" and "intuitive product" for "IT managers" implies a need for clear information architecture and workflow optimization, which are key aspects of operational efficiency in design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 4-8 years of professional experience in Product Design, with a significant portion focused on B2B SaaS products or internal tools that require a high degree of usability and efficiency.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering end-to-end design solutions for complex software products.
• Experience working within Agile development environments and collaborating closely with engineering and product teams.

Required Skills:

• End-to-End Product Thinking: Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, design, and deliver complete product features, from initial research to final implementation.
• User Research & Usability Testing: Proficiency in various research methodologies to gather user insights and validate design decisions.
• Interaction Design & Wireframing: Strong skills in creating clear, efficient user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.
• UI Design & Visual Craftsmanship: Excellent visual design skills with a keen eye for detail, typography, and layout, ensuring a polished and consistent user interface.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders, translating complex requirements into tangible design solutions.
• Problem-Solving & Pragmatism: Ability to tackle complex challenges with a practical, solution-oriented mindset, balancing user needs with technical constraints.
• English Fluency: Professional fluency in English, both written and spoken, for effective communication in a global team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• B2B SaaS Expertise: Specific experience designing for B2B SaaS platforms, understanding the unique needs of business users and operational workflows.
• Internal Tools Design: Experience designing complex internal tools or backend systems where efficiency and data management are critical.
• Information Architecture (IA): Strong understanding of IA principles to organize complex information and navigation within digital products.
• Prototyping Tools: Advanced proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
• Design System Development: Experience contributing to or developing design systems to ensure consistency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been detailed to reflect the specific demands of a Senior Product Designer role in a B2B SaaS context, emphasizing end-to-end thinking, collaboration, and a pragmatic approach. The "IA / IT" aspect has been translated into a preference for Information Architecture and experience with internal tools or complex backend systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing your involvement from initial problem definition and user research through to final design solutions and outcomes.
• Problem Definition & User Insights: Clearly articulate the business problem and user needs you addressed, supported by research findings or user data.
• Design Process & Iteration: Illustrate your design process, including wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and iterations based on feedback or testing, demonstrating your problem-solving approach.
• UI/UX Execution: Present high-fidelity UI designs and interaction details that highlight your visual craft and attention to detail, relevant to complex backend systems or IT management interfaces.
• Impact & Outcomes: Quantify the impact of your design work, where possible, using metrics related to user engagement, efficiency gains, or problem resolution.

Process Documentation:

• Research & Discovery Documentation: Examples of how you document user research findings, personas, and journey maps to inform design decisions.
• Wireframing & Prototyping Standards: Showcase examples of structured wireframes and interactive prototypes used for communication and validation with stakeholders and engineers.
• Usability Testing Reports: Samples of how you structure and present usability test results, including key findings and recommended design adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements have been tailored to emphasize the end-to-end nature of the role and the specific context of designing for complex IT systems. The focus is on demonstrating the candidate's process, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver impactful design solutions within a B2B SaaS environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the provided salary of 65,000 - 70,000 EUR per DAY, this appears to be a misinterpretation or an exceptionally high rate for a daily contractor, which is unusual for a full-time Senior Product Designer role.
• For a full-time Senior Product Designer in Paris with 4-8 years of experience in B2B SaaS, a more typical annual salary range would be between €60,000 to €85,000 gross per year, depending on experience, specific skills, and the company's compensation philosophy.
• This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in Paris and the broader European tech market, considering the company's focus on B2B SaaS and IT solutions.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for equity/stock options in a fast-growing startup.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and public holidays.
• Professional development budget for training, conferences, and learning resources.
• Opportunities for career advancement and leadership within a scaling organization.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment with a focus on design excellence.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and team collaboration needs.
• The role is on-site in Paris, requiring regular in-office presence for team collaboration and strategic discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary information from the input was highly unusual (daily rate). An adjustment has been made to reflect a more standard annual salary range for a full-time Senior Product Designer in Paris, with a clear explanation of the methodology. Benefits and working hours have been inferred based on typical offerings for a full-time role in a growing B2B SaaS startup.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Software (B2B SaaS, IT Management for SMBs)
Company Size: Small to Medium-sized (implied by "fast-growing," "second designer," and "small, senior, tight-knit team")
Founded: Recent founding (implied by "fast-growing," "pivotal moment," and "company scales")

Team Structure:

• The EPD (Engineering, Product, Design) team is described as "small, senior, tight-knit," suggesting a highly collaborative and experienced group.
• The Senior Product Designer will be the second designer, working closely with engineers and product managers, indicating a flat hierarchy and direct influence.
• Emphasis on "high autonomy" and "direct ownership" points to a culture that trusts its team members to drive initiatives.

Methodology:

• User-Centricity: A strong emphasis on understanding and solving user problems through design, with a focus on research and iterative development.
• Agile & Collaborative: Working closely with engineers and product managers in an agile framework to deliver solutions efficiently.
• Data-Informed Design: While not explicitly stated, the B2B SaaS and IT management context implies a need to leverage data to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Pragmatic Innovation: Balancing creative design solutions with technical constraints and business objectives to deliver practical, effective products.

Company Website: https://collective.work

📝 Enhancement Note: Company culture and methodology have been inferred based on the provided description, emphasizing a startup environment focused on impactful product development with a strong design presence. The "IA / IT" aspect suggests a culture that values efficiency and robust problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor (Product Design)
Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Head of Product, Head of Design, or a CTO, given the early stage and small team size. The role involves close collaboration with engineering and product management peers.
Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the user experience of the company's core B2B SaaS product. By simplifying complex IT management tasks, the designer will influence user adoption, retention, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue growth. The ability to create an intuitive interface for IT managers directly translates to operational efficiency for their businesses.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: As the second designer, there's a clear path to becoming the lead designer or Head of Design as the company scales, potentially building and mentoring a design team.
• Product Strategy Influence: Direct involvement in product strategy discussions and decision-making due to the senior nature of the role and close proximity to product and engineering leadership.
• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in B2B SaaS design, complex system interfaces, or specific areas of IT management through challenging projects.
• Cross-Functional Development: Exposure to business operations, product management, and engineering leadership provides a holistic understanding of a growing tech company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career progression is framed within the context of a growing startup, highlighting opportunities for leadership, strategic influence, and skill development relevant to a Senior Product Designer role impacting operational efficiency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, likely in a modern co-working space or dedicated office in Paris, reflecting a startup environment.
Office Location(s): Paris, France. Specific address details would be provided upon application or interview.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is expected to foster close collaboration between design, product, and engineering teams, with ample opportunities for brainstorming, whiteboarding, and design critiques.
• Tool Accessibility: Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and collaboration tools necessary for high-quality product design.
• Team Interaction: Frequent face-to-face interaction with a small, senior team, encouraging open communication, knowledge sharing, and a strong sense of shared purpose.

Work Schedule:

• A structured 40-hour work week is standard, with flexibility to manage workload and meet project milestones. The on-site nature encourages dedicated focus time away from remote distractions, beneficial for complex design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described to align with a typical on-site startup role in Paris, emphasizing collaboration and access to necessary tools, which are crucial for detailed product design work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess overall fit, experience, and interest.
• Portfolio Presentation & Design Exercise: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, discussing 1-2 key case studies. This is often followed by a take-home design challenge or an in-person/live design exercise focused on problem-solving relevant to the company's domain.
• Team Interviews: Meetings with key members of the EPD team (engineers, product managers, other designers) to evaluate collaboration style, technical understanding, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: A conversation with a founder or senior leader to discuss vision, long-term impact, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, and the quantifiable impact of your design. For this role, highlight how your designs improved user efficiency or simplified complex operations.
• Showcase Process: Demonstrate your thought process, from research and ideation to iteration and final execution. Use visuals like user flows, wireframes, and prototypes to tell the story.
• Tailor to B2B/IT: Select projects that best represent your experience with complex systems, internal tools, or B2B SaaS. Emphasize how you handled technical constraints and business objectives.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, how you handle trade-offs, your collaboration style, and your understanding of the IT management domain.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research B2B SaaS, IT management challenges for SMBs, and the company's product to better understand the context of any design challenge.
• Structure Your Approach: For a design exercise, clearly outline your assumptions, research steps (even if hypothetical), design considerations, and proposed solutions.
• Communicate Clearly: Articulate your design rationale effectively, explaining why you made certain choices and how they address the problem statement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process has been detailed with specific advice for a Senior Product Designer, emphasizing portfolio presentation and preparation for design challenges relevant to the B2B/IT context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable given industry trends and team collaboration), Sketch, Adobe XD. Proficiency in at least one is essential, with Figma being a strong advantage.
• User Research Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, or internal solutions for conducting and analyzing user research.
• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello for tracking design tasks and collaborating with engineering and product teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools: Mixpanel, Amplitude, Google Analytics for understanding user behavior, feature adoption, and product performance.
• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, or internal dashboards for analyzing user data and reporting on design impact.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (for context): Salesforce, HubSpot (understanding how product usage might tie into CRM data for sales/customer success).
• Collaboration Suites: Slack for real-time communication and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack has been inferred based on common tools used in B2B SaaS companies and by product design teams, with a focus on design, collaboration, and analytics tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: Deep commitment to understanding and solving user problems, ensuring that the product is not only functional but also highly usable and efficient for IT managers.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and close partnership with engineering, product, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and shared ownership of product success.
• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality design, attention to detail, and continuous improvement in both product output and design processes.
• Impact & Ownership: A drive to make a tangible difference in the product and the company's growth, taking initiative and owning design outcomes.
• Pragmatism & Adaptability: A practical approach to problem-solving, balancing ideal solutions with real-world constraints and adapting to the fast-paced startup environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design is deeply integrated into the EPD team, working hand-in-hand with product and engineering from ideation through to deployment.
• Feedback-Rich Environment: Encourages constructive feedback and open discussion on design decisions to ensure the best possible outcomes.
• Iterative Improvement: A culture that embraces iteration and continuous refinement based on user insights, data, and team input.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values have been extrapolated to reflect a high-performing, collaborative startup environment focused on delivering impactful B2B SaaS products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Simplifying Complexity: The primary challenge will be translating intricate IT backend processes and functionalities into a simple, intuitive, and efficient user experience for IT managers.
• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Effectively navigating trade-offs between ideal user experience and technical feasibility, working closely with engineers to find optimal solutions.
• Establishing Design Processes: As the second designer, contributing to the definition and refinement of design processes, standards, and potentially a design system within a growing team.
• Driving Adoption of New Features: Designing features that not only meet user needs but also encourage adoption and effective utilization by busy IT professionals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen B2B SaaS Expertise: Gain extensive experience in designing for a specific, complex industry vertical (IT management) within the B2B SaaS landscape.
• Shape Design Function: Play a key role in the growth and direction of the design function within Collective, potentially influencing hiring, tooling, and strategic processes.
• Leadership Potential: Develop leadership skills through mentoring, driving design initiatives, and contributing to product strategy, with a clear path towards design leadership.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend relevant design or tech conferences, engage with industry best practices, and potentially pursue certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed to highlight the specific complexities of the role and the potential for significant professional development within a startup environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing an interface for managing a complex IT inventory system to make it intuitive for a non-technical IT manager?" (Focus on breaking down complexity, IA, and user flow).
• "Describe a time you had to make significant design trade-offs due to technical constraints. How did you navigate that with your engineering team?" (Assess collaboration, problem-solving, and communication).
• "Given our focus on B2B SaaS for IT management, what are the key user needs and pain points you anticipate for our target audience, and how would you validate them?" (Gauge industry understanding and research approach).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Collective's mission and our product specifically?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest).
• "How do you envision collaborating with our current engineering and product teams to deliver the best possible user experience?" (Highlight collaboration style and EPD integration).
• "How do you measure the success of your design work, and what metrics do you find most valuable in a B2B SaaS context?" (Focus on impact, data-driven design, and ROI).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the problem, your journey to the solution, the challenges, and the outcome.
• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially if you were part of a larger team.
• Focus on Process & Rationale: Explain why you made certain design decisions, referencing user research, design principles, and constraints.
• Showcase Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "increased feature adoption by Y%"). If quantitative data isn't available, articulate the qualitative benefits and potential impact.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about specific design choices, technical considerations, and how you'd handle hypothetical scenarios related to the company's product.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the Senior Product Designer role, emphasizing questions related to complex design challenges, B2B SaaS context, and collaboration within an EPD team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant case studies that showcase your end-to-end product design process, ideally with experience in B2B SaaS, internal tools, or complex backend systems. Emphasize projects where your design directly improved user efficiency or simplified operational workflows.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with user research, interaction design, UI design, cross-functional collaboration, and your years of experience in product design, specifically mentioning B2B or internal tools if applicable. Use keywords such as "Product Design," "B2B SaaS," "User Experience," "Interaction Design," and "UI Design."
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your selected case studies, focusing on explaining your problem-solving approach, design decisions, collaborative process, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss how you handle technical constraints and prioritize tasks.
• Research Collective: Thoroughly understand Collective's mission, product offerings, target market (SMBs, IT managers), and company culture. Prepare specific questions about their product roadmap, design challenges, and team dynamics.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding compensation and specific company processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the application and interview stages.